KAWASAKI VULCAN® 2000 BLENDS AUTHORITATIVE POWER AND STUNNING IMAGERY.


Ample V-Twin Muscle wrapped in sleek Vulcan styling


With its classic V-twin lines, big power and just the right amount of modern touches, the Vulcan® 2000 cruiser is a perfect blend of old and new that provides riders with more of everything they expect from a cruising motorcycle.


The Vulcan 2000 cuts its own styling swath through the pack; starting with its sharp looking new black-out treatment that starts at its black chrome nacelle wrapping around the powerful four-bulb, projector-type headlight. Flowing back, this new visual treatment starts immediately at the fork with its black chrome upper covers, and black painted lower legs and black-out inner brake discs for a new avant-garde anti-chrome look. Maintaining the fluidity of the black-out style are the black chrome speedometer and air cleaner covers. A matte black frame and new Metallic Diablo Black color tie all of this together with an eye-appealing balance. Mounted on the stretched flange-free fuel tank, the stylish instrument panel keeps the rider informed with large-face speedometer and a V-shaped panel holding a LCD display and warning lamps. The bucket-type saddle with locking sleek, low profile passenger seat continues the Vulcan 2000’s long, shapely curves while providing all-day riding comfort.


At the heart of this remarkable Kawasaki is its massive 2,053cc V-Twin engine featuring a 103 x 123.2mm bore and stroke, forged pistons, alloy-steel connecting rods, a huge 220mm flywheel, dual cams located within the one-piece crankcase and right-side pushrods actuating four valves per cylinder. The push rod design reduces the 125 cubic inch engine’s height, directly contributing to the Vulcan 2000’s low center of gravity and relatively low seat height. Plus, hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically maintain zero valve clearance for smoother, quieter operation.


Like the frame, the black matte finished Vulcan 2000’s cylinders provide a dramatic contrast to the polished cooling fins – which manage the temperatures for the bottom three-quarters of the engine. The top quarter of the V-twin engine is liquid cooled. Additionally, the engine and transmission have built-in oil and water pumps, and the transmission serves as the oil tank.


An electronic engine control unit (ECU) manages the fuel injection system with dual 46mm throttle bodies and sub throttle valves, combined with an iridium spark plug ignition system to provide sharp throttle response at any rpm. The sub-throttle valves and fine atomizing injectors help the Vulcan 2000’s fuel injection provide a smooth, linear power band with increased power and optimum fuel economy. Cruiser enthusiasts will appreciate that classic V-twin rumble from the Vulcan 2000’s dual polished mufflers, thanks to its single-pin crankshaft, while dual counter balancers and rubber engine mounts keep the vibrations at bay.


The engine is utilized as a member of the Vulcan’s steel, double-cradle frame, which has a large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone. A simple but elegant rear steel tube swingarm suspension with a direct-action single shock provides 3.9 inches of travel, and includes spring preload and rebound adjustment. Up front, a large 49mm fork provides precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel.


The Vulcan 2000 rides on bright, cast aluminum 16-inch wheels with a 150/80 front radial tire and a huge, 200/60 rear radial tire. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake with two-piston caliper bring this cruiser to smooth, powerful stops.